Success Stories

Device Media was founded in 1999 on the principle of providing creative and technical marketing solutions on all scales. We are a full service interactive design and marketing company who have the experience to deliver effective, professional and innovative marketing solutions. Our focus is marketing through technology. When developing a strategy or piece, we endeavor to accomplish three things: - to stimulate the audience through design - to educate the audience, with content displayed in an intuitive manner - to integrate the proper technologies for your task.

A graduate of the Vancouver Film School, Joel Abrahamson is the owner and creative force behind SWIM FASTER PRODUCTIONS, a noir film studio based in Alberta. He worked as a production assistant and grip on the Lions Gate Television production, Fear Itself and is a member of the film union, IATSE local 210, working everything from camera for Akon to stage hand for NIN. His short film, SUICIDIUM received play in the 2008 Edmonton International Film Festival and the Return to Odd annual horror festival. Recently he has completed work on an internet commercial for IN3STS for which he wrote, directed, shot, lit and cut. Also, he just finished editing the music video for the BASSHEADZ, a local hip hop duo. He is currently working on his graphic novel, Alchemy, and is actively looking for investors for the feature film.

Kerstin's Chocolates was established in 2003 in Edmonton, Alberta. Its founder, Kerstin Roos moved with her family to Edmonton in 1977 from southern Germany. Growing up in Edmonton, Kerstin adapted to Canadian customs, but she often dreamt about the chocolate she used to eat back in her hometown. She had an idea of one day making European chocolates.

In 1995 Kerstin left Canada to work in Japan. She immediately fell in love with Japanese cuisine and its focus on purity and simplicity. Kerstin then moved to New York in 2001 and discovered its extensive food culture. She reconnected with her love of chocolates and began experimenting with new recipes. She took chocolate making classes, and learned everything she could about being a chocolatier. As her passion for chocolate grew, she realized that she wanted to spread the message of gourmet chocolate to others. When Kerstin moved back to Edmonton in 2003, she decided to start a chocolate business, she entered the Self-Employment program, and so Kerstin's Chocolates was born.

What does Kerstin's Chocolates do? They have developed a line of quality chocolates that are reminiscent of Kerstin's childhood favorites, updating them with fresh ideas. These gourmet chocolates, the Chocophilia^TM line, are all hand-made by Kerstin and her team in Edmonton. Kerstin also offers chocolate tastings for the general public and for private groups that help participants learn the art of appreciating gourmet chocolate. Finally, Kerstin's Chocolates imports fine chocolates from artisanal chocolatiers in Europe and North America. These products have not been available to chocolate lovers in Alberta until now. They are all available at 48 retail locations across Western Canada locations, or for purchase online or by phone/fax.

Visit the website, or drop in to the studio!  10139 112 Street

A New Yarn Has Arrived!

Urban Knitters has added Louet Euroflax, a washable 100% linen yarn to their product mix. In addition, they now sell SOAK, a gentle laundry soap for fine fibers.

Valerie Gross started her journey as an entrepreneur in November of 2007. After many frustrating projects, she became hooked on knitting in her early 20s, when she was introduced to a course on designing knitting patterns. She has been passionate about knitting ever since. Freelance knitting contracts led her to a degree in clothing and textiles, providing her the knowledge about fibers, yarns, and the variety of textile fabrications.

Recently, she became excited at the popularity of knitting, particularly amongst the young, who socialize through knitting groups and websites. She thought there was no better time to start a yarn retail business.

Her aim for Urban Knitters is to pass on her passion for knitting, and a sense of accomplishment in pursuing a traditional craft. At the same time, the need for individualism in clothing choices can be achieved by adding a "unique" knitted piece to your "fashion" wardrobe.

Urban Knitters provides all the necessary tools to feel that sense of accomplishment through their luxurious natural fiber yarns, accessories, service and knowledge, inspiring environment, and a fashion forward approach to a craft that is centuries old.

Drop by if you're in the neighborhood.

8124 Gateway Boulevard

"I know we can do better!"  With years of experience as a general vet practitioner and observing the ins and outs of operating a clinic, Dr. Ignacio 'Nash' Tan III dreamed of owning his own veterinary practice. His dream came true with the opening of the Edmonton South Animal Hospital (www.edmontonanimalhospital.com).

Managed by Nash's veterinary practice management company, Prime Vet Corporation, the hospital provides advanced veterinary health services for dog and cat owners.  Services include consults, comprehensive medical services, specialist referrals, diagnostic laboratory testing, digital medical records, veterinary products, prescription drugs, pet preventive care and extended hours of operation. 

Nash came to Canada from the Philippines, where he was a Pfizer accredited veterinary consultant.  He trained at the Ontario Veterinary College-University of Guelph, and gained valuable experience in vet clinics.  Nash decided to enroll in the Self Employment Program, and soon after completing his training with the Microbusiness Training Centre in 2010, he put his plan into action to open his very own veterinary clinic.

One of Nash's goals has been to focus on providing the highest quality of services and personalized care. In addition, he says that his business "aims to be one of the most technologically advanced practices in the region." For instance, their clinic's paperless electronic medical record system easily enables the sharing of pets' complete medical information with other veterinarians in the case of an emergency or referral to a specialist.

To help Nash on his track to success, a number of The Business Link's services assisted with paving the way. Its library and research services provided information in the start-up stage for conceptualizing the venture. As well, Nash has attended many of The Business Link's small business learning sessions to enhance his entrepreneurial skills.

"Social responsibility and corporate citizenship are integral parts of our business and we are committed to improving the lives of people in the community," remarks Nash.  They are a veterinary service provider for Little Cats Lost, SAFE Team, Beagle Paws and Rescue for Life. 

Nash has his ambitions set high and aims to establish pet clinics and hospitals across Canada, initially in Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.  His vision for Prime Vet Corporation is to be recognized as "one of Western Canada's largest and leading integrated veterinary practice networks."

edited from The Business Link's "E-News"